Soil Sense
Well-structured soil promotes good drainage, aeration, root growth and biological activity. March is a good time to check – examine soils during or just after rainfall. Dig at least three holes per field, carefully teasing the soil apart. Well-structured soil naturally breaks up into irregular shapes and has abundant pores and fissures; poor soil remains a mass, and colour and smell are also good indicators of soil health. If you find compaction, assess its severity and depth and take the necessary action. For more information click here.
Help Farmland Birds
Farmland birds are an important measure of UK biodiversity and one of the government’s sustainable development indicators, says Fwag. Birds such as the yellowhammer depend on arable farmland for food and habitat. The Voluntary Initiative has published new advice on farmland birds and pesticides www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
Beware of bluetongue
It is important as we move out of winter that farmers remain vigilant to the risk of bluetongue. Inspect stock at least daily and if bluetongue is suspected, report it as early as possible to the nearest animal health regional office or the Defra helpline (08459 33 55 77). Continue to vaccinate, and check the vaccination status of animals when sourcing livestock from abroad. For more information visit www.defra.gov.uk
Prepare for lambing
Purchase and store equipment and colostrum supplies well in advance of the first lamb arriving, and employ one experienced lamber for each 250 ewes indoors, or 350-600 outdoors. Record as much as you can in a copy of the Eblex flock notebook, as this will help you to identify where lamb losses are occurring, and which ewes to keep and which to cull. Call 0870 241 8829 for a free copy.
Get involved
Fancy getting involved in Open Farm Sunday, but not sure how best to go about it? Leaf is set to host 21 workshops across the UK in March to give farmers the chance to meet others who have hosted open days, and get great advice and ideas. The workshops are free to attend – for more details visit www.farmsunday.org or call Leaf on 02476 413911.
Get up to speed
Farmers have until 31 March to register for a derogation from NVZ stocking density requirements. It will allow farmers to keep grazing livestock at densities 50% above the normal limit without having to export some manure, providing you meet certain criteria. Call 08459 556000 for the NVZ guidance booklet 5a.
Look out for forms
By the beginning of April, the RPA should have sent you your 2010 SPS application pack and also any outstanding sets of RLR maps. Please read the attached guidance to this
information thoroughly, as changes have
been made to the SPS process for this year. If your information has not yet arrived, call 0845 603 7777.
Say yes to ELS
If you are in the last six months of your ELS agreement then you need to submit a valid final claim form to Natural England as soon as possible; if you don't, you won't be paid and you won't be able to start a new agreement. When you renew your ELS agreement include at least one of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment options – they provide a huge boost to wildlife and will help you replace ELS points lost with the removal of the management plans option. Finally, to avoid any gap in payments submit your new application as soon as possible; at least two months before your existing agreement expires.
Win awards
Bayer CropScience and Face have joined forces again to recognize those who encourage children to learn more about food, farming and the countryside. So, if you would like to be considered for an award, make sure you let them know about your work. For more information visit www.faceonline.org.uk/bayerface
Get precise
The Precision Farming Event on 10 March will feature the latest electronic advances from the UK’s leading suppliers and a full seminar programme on topics such as ISObus in operation and controlled traffic farming and yield. The event will take place at the East of England showground in Peterborough, and anyone who registers and purchases a ticket in advance will have the chance to win a year’s free use of a Yara N-Sensor. For more information visit www.farmsmart.co.uk/precision/booking
Content from British Farmer and Grower, the NFU's award-winning magazine for members. Find out more here.
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